Injury blow for Onions

Durham have suffered a major blow with the news that seamer Graham Onions is likely to miss the remainder of the season due to an abdominal muscle tear.

Onions had only recently returned from a back injury that sidelined him for six weeks and is facing a similar spell out of action due to an injury on his left internal oblique muscle.

The 31-year-old suffered the problem while bowling his opening over in the Royal London One-Day Cup match against Nottinghamshire earlier this week and scans have revealed his campaign is almost certainly over, with Durham's final game taking place on September 23.

He said: "I was obviously devastated when I received the results of the scan as the next six weeks of the season are hugely important for the team"

"Although I don't think I can play for the rest of the season, I'll be doing everything I can to try to get fit and help the lads out during those final few games"

Onions, who has played nine Tests and four one-day internationals for England, was the leading wicket-taker in last season's LV= County Championship to lift Durham to their third title in six years but injuries have seen him struggle in 2014, with only 12 wickets at an average of 42.

Meanwhile, Durham also announced off-spinner Gareth Breese would end his 11-year association with the club at the end of the season.

Breese, who joined the county in 2004, said: "It's been a very enjoyable time for me. Over the past 11 years, I've grown as a player, coach and a person and most importantly formed some great friendships on and off the field.

"The highlights have been the successes we've had, not necessarily personal, but just winning trophies as part of a team."